US6098284A - Method of retentively attaching a ribbon cable connector to a device - Google Patents
Method of retentively attaching a ribbon cable connector to a device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US6098284A US6098284A US08/988,061 US98806197A US6098284A US 6098284 A US6098284 A US 6098284A US 98806197 A US98806197 A US 98806197A US 6098284 A US6098284 A US 6098284A
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- ribbon cable
- slot
- pin
- cable connector
- male member
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
- H01R12/70—Coupling devices
- H01R12/77—Coupling devices for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures
- H01R12/778—Coupling parts carrying sockets, clips or analogous counter-contacts
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
- H01R12/50—Fixed connections
- H01R12/59—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures
- H01R12/65—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures characterised by the terminal
- H01R12/67—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures characterised by the terminal insulation penetrating terminals
- H01R12/675—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures characterised by the terminal insulation penetrating terminals with contacts having at least a slotted plate for penetration of cable insulation, e.g. insulation displacement contacts for round conductor flat cables
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
- H01R13/627—Snap or like fastening
- H01R13/6271—Latching means integral with the housing
- H01R13/6273—Latching means integral with the housing comprising two latching arms
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49002—Electrical device making
- Y10T29/49117—Conductor or circuit manufacturing
- Y10T29/49174—Assembling terminal to elongated conductor
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49002—Electrical device making
- Y10T29/49117—Conductor or circuit manufacturing
- Y10T29/49174—Assembling terminal to elongated conductor
- Y10T29/49181—Assembling terminal to elongated conductor by deforming
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
- Y10T29/5313—Means to assemble electrical device
- Y10T29/532—Conductor
- Y10T29/53209—Terminal or connector
- Y10T29/53213—Assembled to wire-type conductor
- Y10T29/53217—Means to simultaneously assemble multiple, independent conductors to terminal
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
- Y10T29/5313—Means to assemble electrical device
- Y10T29/532—Conductor
- Y10T29/53209—Terminal or connector
- Y10T29/53213—Assembled to wire-type conductor
- Y10T29/53235—Means to fasten by deformation
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
- Y10T29/5313—Means to assemble electrical device
- Y10T29/532—Conductor
- Y10T29/53243—Multiple, independent conductors
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
- Y10T29/5313—Means to assemble electrical device
- Y10T29/53261—Means to align and advance work part
Definitions
- the invention relates to a method of connecting ribbon cable connectors to a device. More particularly, the invention relates to a method of retentively connecting a ribbon cable to a hardware device.
- Ribbon cables are flat, flexible cables containing a plurality of electrical wires that are aligned in a row. These cables are commonly used to establish a communication path between two computer devices, such as between a computer motherboard and a floppy disk drive. This is accomplished by using a ribbon cable connector, which is a connecting device that is attached to both ends of the cable.
- the ribbon cable connector removably connects onto a mounting port on each of the hardware devices and thereby electrically couples the electrical wires in the cable to the hardware devices.
- the mounting port comprises a set of aligned teeth or pins that extend outward from the hardware device in a predetermined pattern.
- a standard ribbon cable connector includes a plurality of female slots that are arranged in the same predetermined pattern as the pins or teeth on the hardware device.
- the pin slots are sized to slidingly receive the pins on the hardware device.
- a user connects the ribbon cable to the hardware device by inserting the pins into the corresponding pin slots in the ribbon cable connector. After the pins have been inserted, the ribbon cable connector remains connected to the hardware device via a friction fit between the pins and the female slots in the connector.
- some computer assemblers have attached movable shrouds to the mounting port on the hardware device. After an installer inserts the pins into the pin slots on the cable connector, the installer snaps the shrouds over the cable connector. The shrouds thereby inhibit relative movement between the cable connector and the hardware device.
- shrouds provide a more secure fit between the cable connector and the pins of a hardware device, they are impractical in use as they require a user to re-fit the standard mounting port on the hardware device with the shrouds. This may be costly and time consuming.
- alligator clips Some installers have also used alligator clips to more securely retain the cable connector to the pins of the hardware device. However, the use of alligator clips has been shown to be tedious and unreliable. Additionally, alligator clips are not practical if a supply of such clips is not readily available.
- the ribbon cable connector should not require the hardware device to be re-fitted with external connecting mechanisms, such as shrouds or alligator clips, and should be capable of being used with existing mounting port designs.
- a method of releasably attaching a ribbon cable to a hardware device comprises attaching the ribbon cable to a ribbon cable connector having an internal retaining mechanism, coupling the ribbon cable connector to a mating connector on the hardware device, and actuating the internal retaining mechanism so that the internal retaining mechanism engages the mating connector to thereby inhibit the mating connector from uncoupling from the hardware device.
- a method of releasably attaching a ribbon cable to a mating connector on a hardware device comprises attaching the ribbon cable to a ribbon cable connector having at least one slot sized to receive the mating connector and an internal retaining mechanism configured to engage the mating connector when the mating connector is inserted into the slot.
- the method further comprises inserting the mating connector of the hardware device into the at least one slot on the ribbon cable connector, and actuating the internal retaining mechanism so that the internal retaining mechanism engages the mating connector in the slot to thereby inhibit the mating connector from moving out of the slot.
- a method of retentively coupling a ribbon cable to a hardware device comprises attaching the ribbon cable to a ribbon cable connector configured to couple to the hardware device wherein the ribbon cable connector includes a slot dimensioned to receive the mating connector on the hardware device and an internal retaining rod configured to engage the mating connector when the mating connector is inserted into the slot.
- the method further comprises inserting the mating connector on the hardware device into the slot so that the internal mating mechanism engages the mating connector to thereby inhibit the mating connector from moving out of the slot.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ribbon cable attached to a ribbon cable connector configured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the ribbon cable connector of FIG. 1 taken along the line 2--2;
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the ribbon cable connector shown in FIG. 2, illustrating an internal retaining mechanism engaged with a pin device;
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the ribbon cable connector shown in FIG. 2, illustrating a user releasing the internal retaining mechanism
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of the ribbon cable connector shown in FIG. 2, illustrating the retaining mechanism released from the pin device.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ribbon cable connector 30 attached to a ribbon cable 32.
- the ribbon cable connector 30 includes an internal retaining mechanism that allows a user to easily and securely couple the ribbon cable 32 to any of a wide variety of hardware devices, as described in detail below.
- the ribbon cable 32 comprises a plurality of wires that are aligned in a row and enclosed by a flexible plastic covering, as is well-known in the art.
- the ribbon cable 32 may be attached to a 32 pin floppy connector, a 40 pin IDE connector, or a 50 pin SCSI connector. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, however, that the ribbon cable 32 may also be securely attached to any of a wide variety of devices using the ribbon cable connector 30.
- the ribbon cable connector 32 and associated hardware device are described herein in the context of a pin connection. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the inventive features of the ribbon cable connector 30 are applicable to a wide variety of mating connections, such as blade connections.
- the ribbon cable connector 30 is elongated in shape and comprises a rectangular housing 34 having opposed sides 35 and defining a rectangular cavity therein.
- a rectangular coupling member 36 is slidably mounted within the housing 34.
- a locking mechanism comprising a pair of movable tabs 37 is located on each of the sides 35 of the housing 34.
- Each of the tabs 37 is elongated and has a first end integrally attached to the housing 34 and a free end that is inwardly movable relative to the housing 34.
- the tabs are referred to collectively and individually using the reference numeral 37. In the illustrated embodiment, only one of the tabs 37 is visible, although it will be appreciated that the tabs 37 are identical mirror images of one another.
- the tabs 37 When pressed by a user, the tabs 37 enables the housing 34 to slide relative to the coupling member 36 to thereby operate the internal retaining mechanism of the ribbon cable connector 30, as described in more detail below.
- a user presses the tab 37 and slides the housing 34 outward from the coupling member 36 (or vice-versa) to release the internal retaining mechanism from engagement with the pins of a hardware device. The user then slides the housing 34 back into the coupling member 36 to re-engage the internal retaining mechanism with the pins of the hardware device.
- the structure and process associated with the tabs 37 and the internal retaining mechanism is described more fully below with respect to FIGS. 3-5.
- the ribbon cable 32 may be attached to the ribbon cable connector 30 in any of a wide variety of manners.
- the housing 34 includes a first elongated aperture 38 for receiving the end of the ribbon cable 32.
- the housing 34 also includes a second elongated aperture 40 for receiving the end of the cable 32 after it has been inserted into and passed through the first elongated aperture 38.
- the end of the cable 32 extends through the second elongated aperture 40 and is securely retained within the housing 34 by connection to electrical contacts, in a well known manner.
- a plurality of apertures 42 are located in the front face of the coupling member 36 of the ribbon cable connector 30.
- Each of the apertures 42 communicates with a corresponding pin slot 44 (FIG. 2) that extends into the coupling member 36.
- the apertures 42 and pins slots 44 are arranged in two rows with a peripheral aperture 42a and a peripheral pin slot 44a located at the end of each row.
- the apertures 42 and pin slots 44 are sized to receive a mating connector such as a set of hardware pins (not shown) that are sized and spaced according to the size and spacing of the apertures 42 and pin slots 44.
- apertures 42 and slots 44 could be replaced with a single elongated aperture and a corresponding elongated slot that are sized to receive a mating connector such as a blade or tooth structure, as is known to those skilled in the art.
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the ribbon cable connector 30 taken along the lines 2--2 of FIG. 1.
- the ribbon cable connector 30 is shown coupled with a hardware device 60 having a plurality of pins 62 that include peripheral pins 62a.
- the pins 62 are shown inserted in the pin slots 44.
- the ribbon cable connector 30 is symmetric along a center line shown generally as a curved break line 61.
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a left-side portion of the ribbon cable connector 30.
- the structure and function of the ribbon cable connector 30 will be described in connection with the left side of the ribbon cable connector 30, as is shown in FIG. 3. It will be appreciated that the right side of the ribbon cable connector 30 is a mirror image of the left side and that the following description is equally applicable to both sides of the ribbon cable connector 30.
- each of the pins 62 communicates with a corresponding wire 64 in the ribbon cable 32 via a connecting rod 66.
- One connecting rod 66 is mounted within the ribbon cable connector 30 adjacent each of the ends of the pin slots 44 for coupling the pins 62 to the wires 64.
- Each of the connecting rods 66 includes a set of prongs that are inserted through the ribbon cable 32. The prongs electrically contact the corresponding wire 64 in the ribbon cable 32. In this manner, the ribbon cable 32 electrically couples to the hardware device 60 via the pins 62, the corresponding connecting rods 66, and the respective wires 64.
- the coupling member 36 is slidably positioned within the housing 34.
- the coupling member 36 includes a peripheral wall 70 that is slidably positioned within the housing 34.
- the peripheral walls 70 has an outer surface 72 adjacent the tab 37 and an inner surface 74 adjacent the peripheral pin slots 44a.
- the outer surfaces 72 extend upward from a lip 76 that abuts the lower end of the tab 37.
- the inner surface 74 of the peripheral wall 70 forms into an internal step 80 that extend inward toward the pin slots 44.
- the peripheral wall 70 of the coupling member is slidably positioned within an internal channel 82 in the ribbon cable connector 30.
- the channel 82 is defined between the inner surface of the tab 37 and a guide wall 84 that extends downward from the pin connector housing 34.
- the channel 82 is slightly larger than the width of the peripheral wall 70 to facilitate sliding of the peripheral wall 70 within the channel 82.
- an internal retaining mechanism comprising a retaining rod 90 is located within the ribbon cable connector 30 for engaging the peripheral pin 62a in the hardware device 60, as described in detail below.
- the retaining rod 90 has a first end 92 that is pivotably mounted to the step 80 on the coupling member 36, by a connecting means, such as a rotatable pin connection.
- a second or engagement end 94 of the retaining rod 90 has a sharpened leading edge and is configured to engage the peripheral pin 62a of the hardware device 60, as described more fully below.
- an elongated hole 96 extends through the retaining rod 90 midway along its length.
- the elongated hole 96 is sized to receive a small slide pin 100 that is located on the end of the guide wall 84 of the housing 34.
- the slide pin 100 is configured to slide along the length of the elongated hole 96 when the coupling member 36 is moved relative to the housing 34, as described more fully below.
- the retaining rod 90 is movable to a first or engaged position in which the engagement end 94 of the retaining rod 90 extends into the peripheral pin slot 44a and engages the peripheral pin 62a of the hardware device 60, as is shown in FIG. 3.
- the retaining rod 90 is also movable to a second or disengaged position in which the engagement end 94 of the retaining rod 90 is disengaged with the peripheral pin 62a, as shown in FIG. 5.
- the movement of the retaining rod 90 between the engaged and disengaged positions is coupled to movement of the coupling member 36 relative to the housing 34, as described more fully below.
- a ramped extension 102 is located at the lower end of the tab 37 on the housing 34.
- the ramped extension 102 is sized to engage a corresponding notch 106 (FIG. 4) on the outer surface 72 of the peripheral wall 70 of the coupling member 36.
- the ramped extension 102 and the notch 106 are engaged, they inhibit relative movement between the housing 34 and the coupling member 36.
- the tab 37 is biased so that the ramped extension 102 is urged to remain engaged with the notch 106 until a user manually releases the ramped extension 102 from the notch 106.
- the inner surface of the tab 37 includes a rounded protrusion 108 that abuts the outer surface 72 of the peripheral wall 70.
- the tab 37 is removed from engagement with the notch 106 by applying an inward force to the tab 37 at a location upward of the rounded protrusion 108, such as with the user's thumb or finger. When such a force is applied, the tab 37 deforms such that the lower portion of the tab 37 moves away from the outer surface 72 of the peripheral wall 70 so that the ramped extension 102 releases from engagement with the notch 106. When the ramped extension 102 is moved out of the notch 106, a user may then slide the coupling member 36 relative to the housing 34.
- the retaining rod 90 is movable between two positions. Referring to FIG. 3, in the first or engaged position the retaining rod 90 is oriented at an angle relative to the peripheral wall 70 so that the sharpened engagement end 94 extends into the peripheral pin slot 44a. In such a position, the retaining rod 90 engages the peripheral pin 62a of the hardware device 60. In particular, the engagement end 94 of the retaining rod 90 is wedged against the peripheral pin 62a so as to inhibit the pin 62a from sliding out of the peripheral pin slot 44a.
- the retaining rod 90 inhibits the pins 62 of the hardware device 60 from sliding out of the pin slots 44 of the ribbon cable connector 30 by resisting movement of the peripheral pin 62a in an outward direction.
- the peripheral pin 62a include a small notch 110 (FIG. 3) in which the engagement end 94 of the retaining rod 90 is seated.
- the engagement end 94 of the retaining rod 90 could wedge in a friction engagement against the sides of the pin 62a absent the notch 110.
- the engagement end 94 of the retaining rod 90 could also be provided with serrations to increase the amount of friction between the rod 90 and the pin 62a.
- the orientation of the retaining rod 90 in the engaged position is configured to inhibit the peripheral pin 62a from sliding out of the pin slot 44a but not to inhibit the pin 62a from sliding into the pin slots 44a.
- the pins 62 of the hardware device 60 may be inserted into the pin slots 44 even when the retaining rod 90 is positioned in the engaged position.
- the retaining rod 90 is desirably biased toward the peripheral pin slot 44a so that the engagement end 94 automatically engages the peripheral pin 62a when inserted into the pin slots 44a. If any of the pins 62 start to slide outward, the engagement end 94 of the retaining rod 90 wedges against the side of the peripheral pin 62a and prevents all of the pins 62 from further sliding out of the pin slots 44. However, when the pins 62 are inserted into the pin slots 44, the retaining rod 90 does not wedge against the peripheral pin 62a due to the orientation of the retaining rod 90.
- the retaining rod 90 may also be moved to a disengaged position wherein the retaining rod 90 is released from engagement with the peripheral pin 62a.
- the pins 62 are freely slidable out of the pin slots.
- a user's finger as illustrated moves the retaining rod 90 into the disengaged position as follows. The user first presses inward against the tab 37 so that the tab 37 deforms and the ramped extension 102 on the tab 37 disengages from the notch 106, as described above. With the tab 37 positioned as such, the coupling member 36 is freely slidable relative to the housing 34. The user may then slide the housing 34 outward relative to the coupling member 36, as shown by the upward arrow in FIG. 5.
- the retaining rod 90 begins to pivot along the first end 92. Specifically, as the housing 34 slides outward, the slide pin 100 also moves outward and slides along the elongated hole 96 in the retaining rod 90. The slide pin 100 thus causes the retaining rod 90 to pivot and thereby move to the disengaged position wherein the engagement end 94 of the retaining rod 90 is positioned out of the peripheral pin slot 44a. Additionally, the engagement end 94 releases from engagement with the peripheral pin 62a. With the retaining rod 90 disengaged, the user may then slide the pins 62 of the hardware device 60 out of the pin slots 44.
- the user may move the retaining rod 90 back to the engaged position after the pins 62 are removed from the pin slots 44. This is accomplished by sliding the housing 34 back over the coupling member 36 until the ramped extension 102 on the tab 37 re-engages the notch 106 in the coupling member 36. As mentioned, the pins 62 may be inserted into the pin slots 44 even when the retaining rod 90 is in the engaged position. The retaining rod 90 may also be kept in the disengaged position until the ribbon cable connector 30 is again coupled with the pins of another hardware device 60. As the user presses the ribbon cable connector 30 onto the pins of the hardware device, the housing 34 slides relative to the coupling member 36 and automatically moves the retaining rod 90 into the engaged position.
- a small spring could be inserted between the housing 34 and the coupling member 36 so that the housing 34 is biased toward the coupling member 36. In this manner, the housing 34 is automatically urged to move the retaining rod 90 into the engaged position after the retaining rod 90 is disengaged and the pins 62 are removed from the pin slots 44.
- the ribbon cable connector 30 described herein is used to retain a ribbon cable 32 with the hardware device 60.
- the internal retaining mechanism inhibits the pins 62 of the hardware device 60 from sliding out of the pin slots 44 in the cable connector 30.
- the retaining mechanism is easily disengaged when the user desires to remove the pins 62 from the pins slots 44.
- the ribbon cable connector 30 is advantageous as it may be used in conjunction with existing pin connections without having to revise the existing designs of the pins on the computer device.
- the ribbon cable connector 30 is easily coupled and uncoupled from the pin device.
Abstract
Description
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US08/988,061 US6098284A (en) | 1997-12-10 | 1997-12-10 | Method of retentively attaching a ribbon cable connector to a device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US08/988,061 US6098284A (en) | 1997-12-10 | 1997-12-10 | Method of retentively attaching a ribbon cable connector to a device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US6098284A true US6098284A (en) | 2000-08-08 |
Family
ID=25533816
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/988,061 Expired - Lifetime US6098284A (en) | 1997-12-10 | 1997-12-10 | Method of retentively attaching a ribbon cable connector to a device |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6098284A (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6452793B1 (en) | 2001-01-26 | 2002-09-17 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Apparatuses and methods for preventing disengagement of electrical connectors in the assembly of computers |
US6546445B1 (en) * | 2000-01-13 | 2003-04-08 | Dell Usa, L.P. | Method and system for connecting dual storage interfaces |
US20060019528A1 (en) * | 2004-07-21 | 2006-01-26 | L & K Precision Technoloy Co., Ltd. | Connector |
JP2014535142A (en) * | 2011-11-15 | 2014-12-25 | エレンベルガー ウント ペンスケン ゲゼルシャフト ミット ベシュレンクテル ハフツング | Insetable device combination |
US9287663B1 (en) | 2014-08-26 | 2016-03-15 | Lg Chem, Ltd. | Electrical connector and method of electrically coupling first and second electrical terminals of first and second battery cells to one another |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0122842A1 (en) * | 1983-04-15 | 1984-10-24 | COMPAGNIE DEUTSCH (Société Anonyme) | Locking and guiding means for the mating of a connector |
US4971571A (en) * | 1990-03-15 | 1990-11-20 | Amp Incorporated | Self-locking pin field connector |
US5336103A (en) * | 1993-08-26 | 1994-08-09 | Herboldsheimer John D | Female socket-based male plug locking device |
-
1997
- 1997-12-10 US US08/988,061 patent/US6098284A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0122842A1 (en) * | 1983-04-15 | 1984-10-24 | COMPAGNIE DEUTSCH (Société Anonyme) | Locking and guiding means for the mating of a connector |
US4971571A (en) * | 1990-03-15 | 1990-11-20 | Amp Incorporated | Self-locking pin field connector |
US5336103A (en) * | 1993-08-26 | 1994-08-09 | Herboldsheimer John D | Female socket-based male plug locking device |
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6546445B1 (en) * | 2000-01-13 | 2003-04-08 | Dell Usa, L.P. | Method and system for connecting dual storage interfaces |
US6452793B1 (en) | 2001-01-26 | 2002-09-17 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Apparatuses and methods for preventing disengagement of electrical connectors in the assembly of computers |
US6628516B2 (en) | 2001-01-26 | 2003-09-30 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Apparatuses and methods for preventing disengagement of electrical connectors in the assembly of computers |
US20050026493A1 (en) * | 2001-01-26 | 2005-02-03 | Boe Craig L. | Apparatuses and methods for preventing disengagement of electrical connectors in the assembly of computers |
US7107675B2 (en) | 2001-01-26 | 2006-09-19 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Methods for retaining an electrical connector in a receptacle on an electrical component in a computer |
US20060268506A1 (en) * | 2001-01-26 | 2006-11-30 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Apparatus and methods for preventing disengagement of electrical connectors in the assembly of computers |
US7614149B2 (en) | 2001-01-26 | 2009-11-10 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Methods for assembling computers |
US7707718B2 (en) | 2001-01-26 | 2010-05-04 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Methods for assembling computers |
US20060019528A1 (en) * | 2004-07-21 | 2006-01-26 | L & K Precision Technoloy Co., Ltd. | Connector |
US6994583B1 (en) * | 2004-07-21 | 2006-02-07 | L&K Precision Technology Co., Ltd. | Connector |
JP2014535142A (en) * | 2011-11-15 | 2014-12-25 | エレンベルガー ウント ペンスケン ゲゼルシャフト ミット ベシュレンクテル ハフツング | Insetable device combination |
US9287663B1 (en) | 2014-08-26 | 2016-03-15 | Lg Chem, Ltd. | Electrical connector and method of electrically coupling first and second electrical terminals of first and second battery cells to one another |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7753710B2 (en) | Latching system with single-handed operation for connector assembly | |
US6824406B1 (en) | Electrical connector assembly | |
US20060178033A1 (en) | Electrical connector including snap-in lanyard | |
US6149451A (en) | Cable connector latching device | |
US6863556B2 (en) | Axial latch actuator | |
US7163414B2 (en) | Axial latch actuator with locking wedge | |
US6435895B1 (en) | Connector position assurance device | |
US9520690B2 (en) | Push-pull plugs and tools | |
US5762513A (en) | Electrical connector assembly | |
JP2997062B2 (en) | IC card connector device | |
JP3596729B2 (en) | Connector mating structure | |
US20040067682A1 (en) | Electrical connector | |
US20060094281A1 (en) | Latching electrical connector assembly | |
EP1978606B1 (en) | Slide lock panel-mount connector | |
US6048222A (en) | Retentive ribbon cable connector | |
US4130330A (en) | Electrical connector strain relief and cover retention system | |
EP2416455B1 (en) | Locking connector and electronic apparatus | |
US5033980A (en) | Electrical connector with a double locking structure for terminals | |
US5320554A (en) | Attachment unit interface connector | |
US5026298A (en) | Electrical connector with connector position assurance device | |
US4647129A (en) | Electrical connector | |
US6098284A (en) | Method of retentively attaching a ribbon cable connector to a device | |
EP1186921B1 (en) | Optical cable adapter or connector | |
US5112243A (en) | Latching device for an electrical connector | |
US6250943B1 (en) | Connector assembly |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: MICRON ELECTRONICS, INC., IDAHO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:PRICE, MARK;REEL/FRAME:009192/0148 Effective date: 19980420 |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: MEI CALIFORNIA, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MICRON ELECTRONICS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:011658/0956 Effective date: 20010322 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC., IDAHO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MEI CALIFORNIA INC;REEL/FRAME:012232/0436 Effective date: 20010322 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY Free format text: PAYER NUMBER DE-ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: RMPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 12 |